Pruning

From the back cover:
Pruning: Clinging to the Vine Amidst the Pain is an expository look at John 15:1-8. In this beloved teaching, Jesus uses the following analogy: branches represent those who believe in him; Jesus is the Vine, our source of life and nourishment. His Father, the Gardener, faithfully undertakes the work of caring for us with loving purpose and precision. Pruning is an important aspect of vine care to ensure a healthy plant that yields the quantity and quality of fruit the gardener desires.

Rebeckah Ellinghuysen explores the purpose of pain in the life of the Christian and how God uses pruning in the process of sanctifying believers. Weaving elements of her personal story with in-depth Bible study, she has created a resource for personal and group use. The material was designed for active participation, digging deep into God's Word and unearthing his truth around the topic of pain in our lives. This book can be used by individuals, where the area provided for reflection becomes a journal space. It can be used in a one-on-one mentorship or discipleship setting as a guide to deepen discussion and discovery. This study can also be used in a group setting, for a Bible study or book club.

Review from Naomi Schmidt, Bible study teacher, author, and speaker:
"This Bible study, founded on Jesus' words in John 15:1-8, helps Christians learn how to view - and expect - hardship, pain, and suffering in this world. With Scripture references and a strong, Christ-centered foundation, this Bible study continually returns to the Gospel as our hope and refuge. With poignant, personal stories Rebeckah shares how Christ has shown Himself to be a trustworthy, loving, and faithful refuge. With compassion and empathy, this study acknowledges the reality of hardships in this world but it never loses sight of the Lord's love and saving work in Christ. Thoughtful questions bring deep insights, and tie in relevant Scripture passages. I highly recommend this four-lesson study! It will encourage everyone who has faced hardship and looked to God for refuge and strength."